Projects

Sun Flyer

Established in February 2014, Aero Electric Aircraft Corporation (``AEAC``) was created to produce the two seat ``Sun Flyer 2`` and the new 4 seat ``Sun Flyer 4`` and bring them to market. We intend to serve general aviation by providing a clean renewable energy, electric training aircraft. For more information, visit www.SunFlyer.com

Electric Training Aircraft

This two-seat aircraft will change the way pilots train. The cost-efficient aircraft will enable new pilots to train without prohibitive fuel costs.

A Few Words From George Bye

Check out this exciting speech from CEO, George Bye at the Sun Flyer Roll out Event on May 11, 2016:
https://youtu.be/NCzv2rqpSOQ
Four Seater Video:
https://vimeo.com/223453421
Four Seater 3D Rendering:
https://vimeo.com/237997438
Two Seater Video:
https://vimeo.com/133339328

The Materials

Proof-of-Concept

The StratoAirNet proof-of-concept aircraft is pilot-optional allowing for immediate payload integration while the flight test program matures.

SILENT FALCON SOLAR ELECTRIC UAV

Bye Aerospace provides design, research and engineering support for the Silent Falcon UAV being developed by Silent Falcon UAS Technologies. The Silent Falcon is a solar electric UAV utilizing stored electric power, thin film solar photovoltaic (PV), high efficiency 6 blade propulsion system and other technologies to enhance its very long endurance, quiet operations and zero emissions.
An efficient electric motor provides the Silent Falcon with appropriate climb rates and efficient cruise which facilitates access to areas requiring surveillance.
The easily transportable Silent Falcon system is very quiet with low thermal signature to reduce detection. The Silent Falcon carries a proprietary sensor gimbal, ``Falcon Vision,`` with electro-optical and infrared camera on a lightweight mechanically and digitally stabilized gimbaled payload allowing the operator to keep eyes on target. With very long endurance the Silent Falcon provides multi-fold the value and capability of competitive systems.
Silent Falcon began initial customer deliveries in 2015. The combination of remarkable persistence, payload and reduced acquisition and operating cost over similar-sized systems gives the Silent Falcon a significant advantage over competitors.

Applications

Potential applications include homeland security, and military visual and thermal tactical reconnaissance. Potential civil applications include high security facility surveillance, pipeline and power line inspection, aerial law enforcement, forest fire detection, weather monitoring and aerial photography (see www.SilentFalconUAS.com or for system purchase inquires info@silentfalconUAS.com).

TriFan 600

Bye Aerospace is partnered with XTI Aircraft Company to develop a hybrid-electric VTOL business aircraft, the “TriFan 600” (www.XTIAircraft.com). Advanced electric power for aircraft makes the hybrid-electric configuration compelling for the TriFan, bringing together into one extraordinary airplane, battery power, electric motors, and a light efficient turboshaft engine in a vertical takeoff and landing platform.

Details

The six-seat TriFan 600 will have the speed, range and comfort of a light business jet and the ability to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. It will travel at over 300 miles an hour, with a range of 1,200 miles.

Using three ducted fans, the TriFan lifts off vertically and then its two wing fans rotate forward for a seamless transition to cruise speed. It will reach 29,000 feet in just ten minutes and cruise to the destination as a highly efficient business aircraft.

MARS SOLESA (SOLAR-ELECTRIC SURVEY AIRCRAFT)

Bye Aerospace is developing a unique solar-electric aircraft to fill the gap between mapping and surveillance of Mars from orbital satellites and ground-based rovers. The aircraft, known as the ``Mars SOLESA`` (solar electric survey aircraft), is a unique approach taken by Bye Aerospace that would allow for closer investigation of the Martian surface with greater resolution and flexibility than the orbital satellites currently operating above the surface, but with far greater range and perspective than rovers. In conjunction with solar power provided through solar cells mounted on its wings, the Mars SOLESA concept will enable the vehicle to fly through the Martian atmosphere, gathering pertinent data along the way. The solar cells enables day-time recharging of the SOLESA batteries. The fresh charge allows multiple series of flights. Special rugged landing gear, combined with cutting edge ground sensing technology enable landing autonomous landing site selection and short takeoff and landing distances. By flying at altitudes of a few hundred up to a few thousand feet above the Martian surface, the vehicle can cover more area in less time than the family of rovers currently employed on the surface, while maintaining greater resolution and perspective.

STARLIGHT LIGHTER THAN AIR SOLAR ELECTRIC UAV

U.S. Navy awarded a research contract to Global Near Space Services (``GNSS``) to develop a two stage lighter than air (``LTA``) unmanned air vehicle (``UAV``). The GNSS program developed a clean, cost-effective satellite-type capability utilizing a high altitude upper-stage shaped LTA coupled with an unpiloted detachable, flying, lower stage UAV containing sensor systems. GNSS subcontracted to Bye Aerospace to design the solar-electric flyable lower stage, 'stratospheric recovery vehicle' or SRV detachable UAV.

The unique GNSS "StarLight" LTA system is predicted to persist on station against prevailing winds at very high altitudes for 4 months for a fraction of the cost of a satellite. Solar electric energy provides the necessary power for all systems including both motors for station keeping and customer surveillance payloads.
The lower stage solar electric UAV features deployable thin film photo voltaic arrays that articulate up to +/- 50 degrees to optimize solar energy collection. The electric motor propeller system also articulates up to +/-30 degrees to provide enhanced steering for the LTA against altering wind conditions at altitude. The lower stage detaches on command and returns under powered flight to landing and for refurbishment and re-launch as required.

Bye Aerospace helped design and construct a 40% demonstration scale SRV (pictured) for GNSS and the U.S. Navy. The scaled SRV demonstrator vehicle is designed with advanced all-composite structure, has a length is 27.8 feet with a wing span of 25.6 feet, and gross weight of 854 lbs. It is designed to 5g strength and a 1.4 safety factor. The SRV test vehicle utilizes a partial array of thin film photo voltaics to provide solar energy collection. Light-weight Li-Ion batteries provide energy storage. The SRV demonstrator is designed to fly with a limited redundancy autopilot, initially to altitudes under 15,000 feet, and eventually to near operational altitudes of up to 65,000 feet. Test payload for the demonstrator up to 50 lb and 100 Watts of power.
APPLICATIONS
Potential government applications include homeland security and related air sovereignty support. Potential civil roles include surveillance, communications and air traffic management.

Bye Aerospace

Aviation is proof that, given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the Impossible. ​ - Eddie Rickenbacker